Best Cat Food Bowls

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Like humans, cats like to eat from a clean dish. The best cat food bowls are made from stainless steel or ceramic making them easier to clean and breed less bacteria. When choosing the best cat food bowl for your cat, there are a few things to consider. Is the bowl easy to keep clean and safe for your cat to use? Would your cat prefer a no slip bottom or perhaps a standing bowl set?

Your cat may have a flat face, like a Persian, and needs more of an angled bowl. Or maybe you own a kitten or teacup cat who needs a bowl that is low and shallow. With so many to choose from, keep reading to learn about our top picks for the best cat food bowl.

Best Type of Bowl for Food

Every cat is different and may have different preferences for the size, shape, and depth of their food bowls. But there are some general guidelines to make the best decision for you and your cat. In most cases, stainless steel is the best material for cat food bowls because its easy to clean and extremely durable.

Glass and ceramic dishes are also easy to clean but may chip or break more easily. Chips and cracks are dangerous to your cat because they can lead to cuts on the tongue, paws, or face. Plastic bowls maybe common but may be damaged by teeth, claws, or while cleaning. The damages may be the perfect hiding place for bacteria that could cause a digestive upset or even chin acne for your cat.

There is no size rule for cat bowls because all cats are different and each has their own preferences. It’s usually best to start with a bowl that is wide, but not too deep and has sloping sides. Avoid sides that rise up at a 90-degree angle because they tend to trap food, frustrating your cat. Also, A non-skid padding on the bottom of the bowl can prevent bowls from moving around while your cat eats.

Best Type of Bowl for Water

Hydration is very important to your cat’s health and he should have multiple water sources. Your cat should have a water bowl or two around the house, preferably stainless steel. If your cat likes to drink out of your cups and mugs, feel free to leave those around for him as well. Consider a cat water fountain if your cat loves running water. No matter what choice of cat water bowl you and your cat choose, clean it daily if possible. Cats love fresh water.

The Best Cat Food Bowls Reviewed

#1 CatGuru Premium Whisker Stress Free Cat Food Bowl

Product Info:

Price Range: $$

Material Type: Plastic

Made in: USA

Weight: 7.2 Oz

This cat food bowl is made of Melamine and great if you need a no-slip bowl. It prevents food from getting out it and making a mess all over your house. The material is non-toxic and non-allergenic making it safe for your cat.

The bowl has a shallow form and a ripple design so your cat can chow easily without having to work too hard on getting the food. This bowl prevents whisker fatigue and allows your cats face to stay clean while eating.

The Good

Does not absorb smells

Non slip

Prevents whisker fatigue

The Bad

Shallow depth

Wet food slides around

Breakable

#2 Dr. Catsby Food Bowl for Whisker Relief

Product Info:

Price Range: $$$

Material Type: Stainless Steel

Made in: USA

Weight: 13.6 Oz

This cat food bowl was originally created for cats that experience whisker fatigue but testing revealed that nearly all cats preferred it over competitor products in a side by side test. The shape of this bowl was created after taking the measurements of many cats’ whiskers and faces.

It provides a comfortable and stress-free feeding. Whiskers will not come into contact with any harsh angles and the food is kept in the center because of the curvature.

The bowl is made of stainless steel to not only combat feline acne but to also perform well for cats that are fed raw diets. A finger hole in the side of the bowl allows easy pick-up and drop-off, and a food grade silicone rubber non-slip mat snugly holds the bowl in place.

The Good

Non slip bottom mat

Prevents whisker fatigue

Easy to clean

The Bad

High price

Dry food slides out

Doesn’t hold much food

#3 Necoichi Raised Cat Food Bowl

Product Info:

Price Range: $$

Material Type: Ceramic

Made in: China

Weight: 10.4 Oz

This bowl is the perfect height for maximum comfort when your cat is eating. Food stays centered so there is less stress from having to chase food around the bowl. These bowls are designed with the perfect curvature for making food fall back to the center of the bowl.

They are dishwasher and microwave safe as well as lead and cadmium free. The inner lip on the bowl means no spills. One of the main difficulties we faced in designing this bowl was spillage.

The Good

Non slip bottom mat

Available in different sizes

Dishwasher safe

The Bad

Breakable

Maybe too deep for some cats

Pricey

#4 Luase Pet Food and Water Dish Feeder

Product Info:

Price Range: $

Material Type: Stainless Steel

Made in: USA

Weight: 1.4 Pounds

This cat bowl set can be removed individually and you can put water and food together side by side. The Double plastic base is complete with non – slip rubber feet and two removable stainless steel bowls. These bowls are dishwasher safe, rustproof and high quality for maximum strength and durability. Removing and cleaning your food bowls is easy because they lift right out. This design will not be knocked over by your cat, and is suitable for other small animals as well.

The Good

Non slip bottom feet

Available in different colors

Cost effective

The Bad

May not hold enough water

Too short for some cats

Stainless steel thin

#5 Neater Feeder Express Pet Bowls

Product Info:

Price Range: $$$

Material Type: Stainless Steel

Made in: USA & India

Weight: 7.2 Oz

The Neater Feeder Express for Cats was designed specifically to accommodate all types of cats. The Neater Feeder’s revolutionary design catches spilled food at the top and gathers spilled water at the bottom. It is also elevated to create a more comfortable feeding position for your cat that helps prevent digestion problems.

Spilled food is separated and contained at the top, while spilled water drains into the catch basin below to keep your cat’s feeding area neat and clean. Designed for all cats and kittens with a 2.75″ feeding height and 1 cup sized stainless steel bowls.

The Good

Dishwasher safe

Inexpensive

Comes in different sizes

The Bad

Some cats still make a mess

Cats may not like whiskers hitting the sides

How to Clean Cat Bowls

In a perfect world, it is recommended you clean your cats food and water bowls daily. In reality it is best to clean them as often as you can. If you see bits of food sticking to food bowls then it is time to clean it.

Also, if your cat’s water starts to collect a layer of cat fur or particles, its time to clean that too. If possible, use the dishwasher to clean and disinfect bowls. But if you choose to hand wash your cats bowls, keep a separate sponge scrubber for the task. You may consider a daily disinfection spray on the bowls by using vinegar, then hydrogen peroxide. Either order is fine, just don’t mix the two together. Rinse the bowls completely after about 10 minutes.

Whisker Fatigue

Whisker Fatigue is a condition where your cat’s sensitive whiskers can suffer from nerve exhaustion due to repeated stimulation from hitting the sides of their deep and narrow food bowls. Legit or not, whisker fatigue falls under the category of conditions that are possible, but not definitive and definitely not concerning enough to race off to the veterinarian. A wide, low-sided food bowl with some curve should suffice, where most cats are concerned.

Conclusion

It can be difficult selecting the perfect bowl for your kitty, due to a variety of shapes, materials, sizes, and designs. You know your cats eating habits best. Whatever food bowl you decide on, make sure your cat always has access to plenty of fresh, clean water to keep him healthy and happy.

Amy is the founder of Cat Mania and a life long cat lover. She also writes for various other pet related websites. She is passionate about helping pet parents create a healthy and happy lifestyle for their fur-babies.

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